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Obama prepares for inaugural address

Brendan TrembathUpdated
Mon 21 Jan 2013, 12:59 PM AEDT

The US president Barack Obama is preparing to give one of his most significant speeches, setting the tone for his second term. Washington observers expect his inaugural address to include a call for political compromise.

Transcript

ELEANOR HALL: Those attending tomorrow's US presidential inauguration in Washington may be justified in feeling a little cheated.

While Barack Obama will swear his oath of office before the crowds because of a legal technicality, the United States first black president officially began his second term with a low key, indoor swearing in ceremony today.

But that won't stop Mr Obama doing it all over again tomorrow, before he delivers a speech that is intended to set the tone for his second term.

Brendan Trembath reports from Washington.

BRENDAN TREMBATH: Last minute work around Washington where Barack Obama will give his inaugural address and along the route for the inaugural parade.

Jimmy Goodwin is a carpenter.

JIMMY GOODWIN: Me, I'm just out here trying to prepare for everything to go off right for tomorrow.

BRENDAN TREMBATH: You make it all happen?

JIMMY GOODWIN: Yes sir.

BRENDAN TREMBATH: Excellent.

JIMMY GOODWIN: We the people behind the people (laughs). Yeah, we the people behind the people.

BRENDAN TREMBATH: Barack Obama's first inaugural address four years ago attracted a huge crowd - a record 1.8 million people packed the national mall.

BRENDAN TREMBATH: The crowd is expected to be smaller this time but senior White House adviser David Plouffe will still be soaking up the moment.

DAVID PLOUFFE: This has been a remarkable journey. Six years ago today, we were the longest of long shots running for president. Now tomorrow he'll be giving his second inaugural address.

BRENDAN TREMBATH: Washington observers will be listening for the tone president Obama attempts to set. He's expected to focus on broad themes, such as stabilising the economy.

There have been regular fights with the Republicans over fiscal policy.

But the White House adviser David Plouffe had told America's ABC Network he sees room for compromise.

DAVID PLOUFFE: The question is on the big fundamental issue of can we come together on a fiscal package that reduces the deficit in the long term and then helps us grow the economy in the short term, I think the short answer is yes.

BRENDAN TREMBATH: Rows are also brewing with the Republicans over immigration. President Obama has said he wants to fix a broken system.

But Senator Marco Rubio a Republican of Cuban descent who's open to discussing immigration reform is still waiting for his phone to ring.

He spoke to Bill O'Reilly on Fox News.

MARCO RUBIO: The truth is look, the way our republic is designed the Congress is supposed to pass laws and then the president can decide whether to sign it or not.

BILL O'REILLY: But you're a leader. Shouldn't the president be conferring with leaders in the House, in the Senate?

MARCO RUBIO: Well, I'd be more than happy to talk to him and explain my principles ...

BILL O'REILLY: But he hasn't called?

MARCO RUBIO: No, no.

BRENDAN TREMBATH: As well as immigration, president Obama may focus on gun control, after last month's massacre at a school in Connecticut.

The singer Cyndi Lauper, an Obama supporter says it's time for tighter laws.

CYNDI LAUPER: Listen, nobody wants to take all your guns away but is there a reason why you need 30 bullet, you know, 30 bullet magazine you know, instead of a 10?

BRENDAN TREMBATH: She spoke to CNN.

CYNDI LAUPER: I'm really hopeful for the next four years honestly because I think the Republicans might stop trying to derail the president and every step he tries to take because it's almost like they want him to fail. They are just trying to make him fail and you know what, when you make our president fail, you make our country fail.

BRENDAN TREMBATH: President Obama in his inaugural address probably won't talk about any specific policy plans.

Advisers say he'll save those for his State of the Union speech before Congress next month.